The sequence for importing goods into Saudi Arabia: importer registration, product conformity through SABER, customs declaration via ZATCA, duties, VAT and release.
Importing into Saudi Arabia runs through two systems: ZATCA, which handles customs declarations, duties and import VAT, with declarations filed electronically through the FASAH platform; and SASO's SABER platform, which issues the product and shipment conformity certificates that many goods need before clearance. Some products also need approval from sector regulators, such as the Saudi Food and Drug Authority. Getting conformity right before shipment is what prevents goods sitting at the port.
Before stage one
Before the first shipment, know exactly what you are importing and how it is classified. The tariff code determines the duty rate, whether conformity certificates are required and whether another regulator must approve the goods. Many delays start with a vague product description on the supplier's invoice.
- A Saudi commercial registration with import activity and a customs registration as an importer.
- Harmonised System tariff codes for each product, agreed with a customs broker.
- The technical regulations that apply to each product under SASO.
- Any sector approvals required, for example from the Saudi Food and Drug Authority.
- A licensed customs broker and the Incoterms agreed with the supplier.
Stage 1: Register as an importer
Complete the importer registration with ZATCA customs using the commercial registration, and set up access to FASAH. Ensure the activities on the commercial registration cover the goods.
- Deliverable: Active importer registration and FASAH access.
- Owner: Operations manager.
- Approval gate: Registration confirmed before goods are shipped.
Stage 2: Classify the goods
Assign tariff codes to each product with the customs broker, using detailed technical descriptions. Classification drives duty, conformity requirements and any restrictions.
- Deliverable: A product classification list.
- Owner: Customs broker.
- Approval gate: Classification agreed before supplier invoices are finalised.
Stage 3: Obtain product conformity on SABER
For regulated products, register the product on SABER and obtain the product certificate of conformity through an approved conformity assessment body, based on test reports and technical files from the manufacturer.
- Deliverable: Product certificate of conformity.
- Owner: Importer with the manufacturer.
- Approval gate: Certificate issued before the goods leave the origin country.
Stage 4: Obtain the shipment certificate
For each consignment of regulated products, request the shipment certificate of conformity on SABER, linking the shipment to the product certificates.
- Deliverable: Shipment certificate for the consignment.
- Owner: Importer or broker.
- Approval gate: Certificate issued before customs declaration.
Stage 5: Secure other regulatory approvals
For food, cosmetics, medical devices, chemicals, telecom equipment and other controlled goods, obtain the approvals of the relevant authority. These can run in parallel with SABER but have their own timelines.
- Deliverable: Required approvals and registrations.
- Owner: Regulatory lead.
- Approval gate: Approvals in place before arrival.
Stage 6: File the customs declaration
The broker files the declaration on FASAH with the commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and conformity certificates. Customs value, origin and classification are checked, and goods may be inspected.
- Deliverable: Accepted declaration and inspection result.
- Owner: Customs broker.
- Approval gate: Documents consistent across invoice, packing list and declaration.
Stage 7: Pay duties and import VAT and release
Pay customs duties at the applicable rate and import VAT at the published headline rate of 15 per cent on the customs value plus duty, subject to confirmation with ZATCA, then collect the goods. Registered businesses can generally recover import VAT through their VAT return.
- Deliverable: Payment receipts and release order.
- Owner: Finance with the broker.
- Approval gate: Import VAT recorded for recovery in the correct return period.
Handovers between stages
The critical handover is between the foreign supplier and the Saudi importer. If the supplier's invoice, packing list and technical documents do not match the product registered on SABER, the shipment certificate fails and the goods wait. Send suppliers a document checklist with every purchase order.
How you know it is finished
An import cycle is complete when goods are released, duties and VAT are paid and recorded, conformity certificates are filed for future reference, and landed cost is calculated for pricing. Tariff rates, conformity requirements and procedures change, so confirm them with ZATCA customs, SASO and a licensed customs broker for each product line.
Domira works with foreign investors on the property side of entering Saudi Arabia: finding land or premises, due diligence, design, construction and asset management. For licensing, tax and legal steps, work with a licensed adviser; we coordinate with yours so the property decision fits the structure you choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SABER in Saudi Arabia?
SABER is the Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organization's electronic platform for product conformity. Importers use it to register regulated products, obtain product certificates of conformity through approved bodies and request shipment certificates for each consignment. Customs clearance for regulated goods depends on these certificates, so start the SABER process before the goods are shipped.
Do I need a Saudi company to import goods into Saudi Arabia?
Commercial imports are generally made by an importer of record with a Saudi commercial registration and importer registration with customs. A foreign supplier without a Saudi entity typically sells to a local importer or distributor, or uses arrangements such as a registered agent. Confirm the options for your goods with ZATCA customs and a broker.
Is VAT charged on imports into Saudi Arabia?
Yes. Import VAT is charged at the published headline rate of 15 per cent on the customs value of the goods plus duties and certain charges, subject to confirmation with ZATCA for your goods. VAT-registered importers can generally recover import VAT through their VAT return, and schemes to defer payment have been available. Keep customs documents to support the recovery.
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